5 reasons why ‘Sharknado’ should have been set in N.J.

The SyFy channel broadcast a new “so bad it’s good” movie last night called “Sharknado.”

The poster for the SyFy movie, Sharknado.

The film — about a horrible storm that sucks up sharks from the ocean and sends them flying, with their jaws wide open, into the hapless citizenry of Los Angeles – has the Internet buzzing and chewing (get it?) on the awful plot.

Great, fun, terrible stuff, from what I understand. I didn’t see it, and I blame my wife, who insisted on going over paint colors last night while the sharks were lunching.

Nonetheless, I got to thinking: Shouldn’t “Sharknado” have been set in New Jersey? I mean, we’re Jersey, home of some of the biggest movie stars and musicians in the world. Art as great as “Sharknado” should have no other home.

So here are five reasons why this cultural masterpiece should have been set here:

Its stars, Ian Ziering and Tara Reid, are from here. While most associated with the hit series Beverly Hills 90210, Ziering is actually a Jersey guy, born in Newark and raised in West Orange. Reid was born in Wyckoff. Hey, Tara and Ian! You two should have brought the sharknado to the Garden State.

The Jersey Shore would put up one heck of a fight against a tornado hurling angry sharks through the area. Look how we’ve responded to superstorm Sandy. We never gave up. What’s a legion of torqued-up sharks gonna show us that we haven’t already seen?

“War of the Worlds,” both the radio broadcast and the recent movie, were filmed here. We’re used to implausible scenarios.

An unsuspecting “Situation,” tanning between the gym and the laundry, is awoken by the sharknado. Need we explain the mayhem that ensues?

A sharknado would give Gov. Chris Christie another chance to say, “Get the hell off the beach.”

“Sharknado 2, Jersey Fights Back,” anyone? Make it happen…

Here’s the trailer:

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About John Schoonejongen

John Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.

About the Authors

Bob JordanBob Jordan has covered state, county and muncipal governments for the past 10 years. He has also covered the gaming industry and has been a sports team beat writer for NHL, NBA and major league baseball teams.E-mail Bob

John SchoonejongenJohn Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.E-mail John

Michael SymonsMichael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."E-mail Michael